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Distress Tolerance (DT) is a transdiagnostic factor that may help better understand vulnerability to mental health problems. This study explores DT among recently incarcerated adults experiencing homelessness (RIHAs). Participants (n = 298) were recruited from an ongoing clinical trial at a homeless shelter in Texas. Cross-sectional linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the relations between DT subconstructs (tolerance, appraisal, regulation, and absorption) and psychosocial factors (depression, aggression, hostility, anxiety, and stress) in a sample of RIHAs. Lower DT absorption was associated with greater depression, aggression, hostility, anxiety, and stress. Lower DT appraisal was associated with greater hostility, anxiety, and stress. Greater DT regulation was associated with lower hostility and stress (ps<.05). DT tolerance was unrelated to any psychosocial factors. DT subscales are associated with psychosocial factors among RIHAs. Future research should assess the feasibility of interventions that enhance DT absorption and appraisal coping among RIHAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hispanics are disproportionately affected by substance use and related health harms yet remain underrepresented across scientific disciplines focused on researching and addressing these issues. An interdisciplinary network of scientists committed to fostering the development of social and biomedical researchers focused on Hispanic substance use and health disparities developed innovative mentoring and career development activities. We conducted a formative evaluation study using anonymous membership and conference feedback data to describe specific mentoring and career development activities developed within the national network. Successful mentoring initiatives and career development activities were infused with cultural and community values supportive of professional integration and persistence. Mentoring initially occurred within an annual national conference and was then sustained throughout the year through formal training programs and informal mentoring networks. Although rigorous evaluation is needed to determine the success of these strategies in fostering long-term career development among scientists conducting Hispanic health and substance use research, this innovative model may hold promise for other groups committed to promoting career development and professional integration and persistence for minority (and non-minority) scientists committed to addressing health disparities.

Recent studies suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased alcohol sales and alcohol related problems. This may be due to the synergistic effects of unemployment, stress from childcare or additional caregiving responsibilities, reduced social interactions and negative coping strategies. Weerakoon and colleagues set out to identify the most robust risk factors for alcohol consumption, binge drinking, and changes in drinking patterns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One-third of the sample reported consuming more alcohol after COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19. In addition, each additional week spent at home under stay-at-home orders was increased the odds of binge drinking by 19%. Individuals who have been diagnosed with depression and were currently experiencing depressive symptoms were more than three times more likely (OR = 3.37) to have increased their alcohol consumption during COVID-19 compared to those with no history or symptoms of depression. Parents of children was associated with decreased COVID-19 related binge drinking (OR = .74). As many daily life factors have been altered due to the pandemic, a more holistic lifestyle disruption construct may help further investigate the long term effects of social isolation on alcohol use as the pandemic continues. Furthermore, the role of social support in mitigating COVID-19-related stress has yet to be examined and may be a protective factor against alcohol related problems. As stress continues, researchers should continue assessing the longitudinal effects of COVID-19 lockdowns with the goal of early identification for those at the highest risk of problematic alcohol use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article was to describe the implementation and qualitative outcomes of peer reentry specialists ("peers") on housing attainment, mental health, and substance use problems, and increased life domain functioning. One-on-one interviews were conducted with peers and clients to understand the program implementation, peer experiences, and progress toward target outcomes. Data were iteratively coded using inductive thematic identification and data reduction. Results suggest that peers' lived experiences were useful in building rapport with clients. Peers applied their lived experiences to assist clients in seeking treatment for substance use and mental health conditions, in addition to helping them locate housing and employment. Several structural barriers prevented peers from addressing client needs. Peer time was routinely consumed by assisting clients in seeking identification, requisite for treatment or use of health care services, housing or securing employment. Findings suggested peers were working to address many client needs. Future research should examine the effectiveness of peer assistance on client-level health outcomes, including recidivism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although many formal and informal substance use treatment programs were originally designed for men, no studies have investigated how gender affects the use of substance use treatment modalities, and how gender differences in treatment utilization impact substance use in the unique probation context.Objective: To describe gender differences in use and effectiveness of substance use treatment modalities (formal and informal) among probationers.Methods: Longitudinal data were obtained from 335 individuals (93 women) who participated in the Motivational Assessment Program to Initiate Treatment (MAPIT) study. Timeline follow-back measures were used to quantify daily substance use and treatment modality (formal treatment included inpatient and outpatient treatment; informal treatment included self-help, religious, and all other group meetings). Multivariate generalized estimating equations were used to examine relationships between gender, treatment, and substance use.Results: Gender was not associated with alcohol use. Use of formal treatment programs reduced the odds of alcohol use by 15%. The probability of alcohol use was the lowest (8%) for men who participated in formal treatment. For men using informal treatment programs, the probability of alcohol use was 11%. The probability of alcohol use for women was similar regardless of the type of treatment utilization (15-16%). No differences in illicit drug use by gender or type of treatment were detected.Conclusion: This research found limited evidence of a relationship between gender, substance use treatment modality, and alcohol use. These findings have clinical significance in that both formal and informal treatment approaches are similarly effective across both men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study provides a statistically rigorous program evaluation of the impact of police body-worn cameras (BWCs) on police response-to-resistance (e.g., use of force). Results indicate that BWC officers’ mean frequency of response-to-resistance decreased by 8.4% from the 12 months pre-BWC implementation to the 12 months post-BWC implementation compared with a 3.4% increase observed for the matched sample of non-BWC officers. Police departments should consider adopting BWCs alongside other strategies to reduce police response-to-resistance, and to improve transparency and accountability. Study limitations and directions for future research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The literature is clear that adults who are currently homeless also have higher rates of intentional injuries, such as assault and suicide attempts. No study has assessed whether intentional injuries are exacerbated because of substance use among adults with a history of homelessness.Methods: Data were obtained from a cohort of adults admitted to 3 urban emergency departments (EDs) in Texas from 2007 to 2010 (N = 596). Logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether a history of homelessness was associated with alcohol use at time of injury in intentional violent injuries (gunshot, stabbing, or injury consistent with assault).Results: 39% adults with a history of homelessness who were treated at trauma centers for a violent injury. Bivariate analyses indicated that adults who had ever experienced homelessness have 1.67 increased odds, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.11, 2.50], of any intentional violent injury and 1.95 increased odds (95% CI [1.12, 3.40]) of a stabbing injury than adults with no history of homelessness.Conclusions: Adults who experienced homelessness in their lifetime were more likely to visit EDs for violencerelated injuries. Given our limited knowledge of the injuries that prompt ED use by currently homeless populations, future studies are needed to understand the etiology of injuries, and substance-related injuries specifically, among adults with a history of homelessness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To examine trends in and correlates of fighting and violence among youths from the 3 largest racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Methods. We derived race/ethnicity-specific prevalence estimates for fighting, group fighting, and attacks with intent to harm from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a population-based study of youths aged 12 to 17 years. Results. The prevalence of youth fighting and violence decreased significantly in all racial/ethnic groups over the study period (2002-2014), dropping from a high of 33.6% in 2003 to a low of 23.7% in 2014, reflecting a 29% decrease in the relative proportion of young people involved in these behaviors. However, there was also a clear severity gradient in which year-by-year point estimates for fighting and violence were consistently highest among non-Hispanic African American youths, followed by Hispanic and then non-Hispanic White youths. Conclusions. Although fighting and violence are on the decline among young people in general and across racial/ethnic subgroups, there is a stable pattern of disparities in youth involvement in these behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While it is known that substance use and violence co-occur, less is understood in terms of how this relationship might vary based on the degree of youth involvement in violence. Objectives: This study sought to examine the prevalence and degree that substance use disorders (SUD) and related intrapersonal and contextual factors were associated with violent attacks. Method: Repeated cross-sectional data from a population-based study (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) of youth ages 12–17 (n = 216,852) in the United States between 2002 and 2013 were pooled to increase the analytic sample size. Survey multinomial regression was used to examine psychosocial and substance use differences between youth reporting episodic (1–2 times, n = 13,091; 5.84%) and repeated violent attacks (3+ times, n = 1,819; 0.83%) in contrast with youth reporting no attacks. Additional analyses examined the association of sociodemographic, intrapersonal, and contextual factors with SUD among youth reporting violent attacks. Results: The prevalence of SUD among youth with no attacks was 6% compared to 22% among episodic and 36% among repeatedly violent youth. Violence-involved youth were substantially more likely to experience elevated sensation-seeking, easy drug access, and recent drug offers and less likely to benefit from religiosity and protective substance use beliefs. Conclusions/Importance: Findings highlight the importance of distinguishing between the various gradations of violence among youth in understanding the relationship between substance use and violence, and shed light on the intrapersonal and contextual factors that can help identify violent youth at greatest risk for substance use problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on asymmetrical nature of crime and addiction and value of developmentally sensitive life-course approach to inform criminal behavior are clarified. It states that prevalence of substance abuse and dependence in criminal justice populations is higher than in general population and evidence shows that child behavior problems are related to substance use risk. It mentions that antisocial behavior and criminal justice involve those who are suffering from addictive disorders.

Background The limited research on police sexual misconduct (PSM), a common form of police misconduct, suggests that no evidence-based strategies for prevention are available for use by police departments. To identify new avenues for prevention, we critically evaluated 'front-end' police recruiting, screening, hiring and training procedures. Methods Internal Affairs records were linked with administrative reports and police academy graduation data for officers accused of sexual assault or misconduct between 1994 and 2014. Logistic and proportional hazards regression methods were used to identify predictors of discharge for sustained allegations of PSM and time to discharge, respectively. Results Officer's graduating class size was positively associated with odds of discharge for PSM. For every one-officer increase in class size, the rate of discharge for PSM increased by 9% [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.09, P < 0.01]. For particularly large classes (>35 graduates), discharge rates were at least four times greater than smaller classes (HR = 4.43, P < 0.05). Conclusions Large class sizes and more annual graduates increase rates of PSM. Officer recruitment strategies or training quality may be compromised during periods of intensive hiring. Trainee to instructor ratios or maximum class sizes may be instituted by academies to ensure that all police trainees receive the required supervision, one-on-one training, feedback and attention necessary to maximize public safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elder abuse and neglect are highly under-reported in the United States. This may be partially attributed to low incidence of reporting among emergency medical technicians' (EMTs), despite state-mandated reporting of suspected elder abuse. Innovative solutions are needed to address under-reporting. The objective was to describe EMTs' experience detecting and reporting elder abuse.Methods: Qualitative data were collected from 11 EMTs and 12 Adult Protective Services (APS) caseworkers that participated in one of five semi-structured focus groups. Focus group data were iteratively coded by two coders.Results: Findings suggest a number of barriers prevent EMTs from reporting elder abuse to APS. Participants suggested that limited training on elder abuse detection or reporting has been provided to them. EMTs suggested that training, creation of an automated reporting system or brief screening tool could be used to enhance EMT's ability to detect and communicate suspected cases of elder abuse to APS.Conclusions: Results from the present study suggest that EMTs may be uniquely situated to serve as elder abuse and neglect surveillance personnel. EMTs are eager to work with APS to address the under-reporting of elder abuse and neglect, but training is minimal and current reporting procedures are time-prohibitive given their primary role as emergency healthcare providers. Future studies should seek to translate these findings into practice by identifying specific indicators predictive of elder abuse and neglect for inclusion on an automated reporting instrument for EMTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of criminology has devoted considerable time and attention to assessing the main risk factors associated with delinquency and criminal behavior. This line of research consistently documents that certain individual, familial, and situational risk factors are related to offending especially in adolescence. At the same time, there are two limitations to this line of work. The first is that most studies do not consider the extent to which these relationships hold across demographic groups, especially with respect to race/ethnicity. The second has been the reliance on general population/non-offender-based samples. This study aims to fill these two gaps. Using longitudinal data from the Pathways to Desistance, a study of serious adolescent offenders processed in two juvenile court systems, we investigate the extent to which a wide array risk factors relate to the frequency of re-arrests in a seven year follow-up across white, black, and Hispanic offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Little is known about how ethnic identity influences bullying. Using a racially diverse sample, we examine how within-race perceptions match experiences. We utilize bivariate probit regression to examine the correlation between actual and perceived victimization and bullying experiences. Results suggest no differences in victimization by ethnicity but perceived victimization differed across groups. Perceived and actual bullying differed across all groups. School climate acted as a protective factor against bullying and victimization, but school diversity increased the likelihood of bullying by whites and Latinos. These findings shed light on the importance of ethnic identity in understanding the etiology of bullying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on student willingness to report peer weapon carrying points to the importance of school climate and contributions favorable to reporting. This study fills a gap by examining the etiology of willingness to report weapons on campus using predictors at the individual- and school levels. We utilize data from high school student self-reporting; results suggest that 34% of students reported having seen or having personal knowledge of a weapon in school in the prior 3 months. Students who report higher levels of school attachment, seeing or knowing of a weapon, have higher grades, and know about security measures were significantly more likely to report seeing weapons. Implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Alcohol dependence is prevalent among Mexican Americans, as 15% of men meet the threshold for dependency. Drinking in a bar increases the odds of binge drinking; however, research is not clear regarding whether drinking companions within the bar setting further increases risk. Therefore, we examine whether drinking place (bars) and companion (friends) have direct or synergistic effects on binge drinking. Data included two samples of Mexican American drinkers, one group who resides along the U.S.-Mexico border (N = 691) and a similar group living in large cities that are not proximal to the border (N = 660). Among border residents, drinking with friends was significantly associated with binge drinking on the maximum drinking occasion. Drinking at bars was associated with increased drinking among non-border residents only. These findings suggest that drinking context and choosing friends as drinking companions are related to one’s propensity to binge drink on a single heavy drinking occasion, and these risk factors differ across context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background More than 12 million women and men are victims of partner violence each year. Although the health outcomes of partner violence have been well documented, we know very little about specific event-level characteristics that may provide implications for prevention and intervention of partner violence situations. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate substance abuse and dependence as risk factors for event-level alcohol-related intimate partner violence (IPV). Methods Data were derived from Wave II of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (2004-2005). Eligible participants (N = 2,255) reported IPV the year before the survey. Negative binomial and ordinal regression methods were used to assess risk factors for alcohol use during IPV. Results Respondent PTSD was the only mental health diagnosis related to alcohol use during IPV (OR = 1.45). Marijuana use was related to respondents' use of alcohol during IPV (OR = 2.68). Respondents' meeting the criteria for alcohol abuse/dependence was strongly associated with respondent drinking (OR = 10.74) and partner drinking (OR = 2.89) during IPV. Conclusion Results indicate that PTSD, marijuana use disorders, alcohol abuse and dependence are associated with more frequent alcohol use during IPV. In addition, it is important to consider that the patient who presents in emergency settings (e.g., hospitals or urgent care facilities) may not be immediately identifiable as the victim or the perpetrator of partner violence. Therefore, screening and intervention programs should probe to further assess the event-level characteristics of partner violence situations to ensure the correct service referrals are made to prevent partner violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]